Chartwells expands presence in Cheshire

School and education catering provider, Chartwells, has been awarded catering contracts with five schools within the Halliard Trust, building on its growing presence in Cheshire.

The mobilisation follows the closure of the schools’ previous council-run school meal service in April 2025. With oversight from the Trust’s central team, the five affected schools entered a competitive tender process – ultimately selecting Chartwells for its “pupil-focused offer and proven capability in delivering high-quality, tailored school food provision”.

The five Halliard Trust schools – Broken Cross Primary Academy and Nursery, Adlington Primary School, Gawsworth Primary School, Nether Alderley Primary School, and Whirley Primary School – join a growing number of schools and Trusts across Cheshire that have recently chosen Chartwells as their catering partner. This includes eight schools within the Chester Diocesan Academies Trust, which Chartwells secured contracts within April 2025.

Lisa Priestley, Managing Director at Chartwells, said: “We are proud to support the Halliard Trust and deliver a service that not only meets high operational standards but also contributes meaningfully to pupil wellbeing and educational outcomes. We remain committed to supporting the long-term success of the education catering sector, and to working in partnership with our growing number of partner schools to nourish learning through nutritious food and impactful food education.”

The new partnership has already delivered immediate benefits, with pupils enjoying the varied, nutritious, and engaging menus. Chartwells also offers Beyond the Chartwells Kitchen sessions – curriculum-linked workshops that help pupils at Chartwells’ partner schools understand where food comes from and how to make better choices for their health and for the planet – supporting both wellbeing and learning.

Donna Lewis, Headteacher at Broken Cross Primary Academy and Nursery, said: “We’re really pleased with how smoothly the transition to Chartwells has gone. The support from our Trust’s central team has been invaluable in ensuring everything was in place from day one. For many of our children, particularly those entitled to free school meals, a hot, nutritious lunch is vital – and it’s reassuring to know they’re receiving high-quality meals in a welcoming environment.”